VIDEO: A purr-fect day at Pauline's spa can leave your cat 'feline' fine

CAT owners in Derbyshire will soon be able to treat their pets to a pampering following the opening of a "spa" specifically for their feline friends.

Red Robin Boarding Cattery, at Moorcroft Farm, in Radbourne Lane, near Mickleover, believes people's cats will be left "feline" good following a visit to its cat grooming spa, which it claims is the only one of its kind in the region.

The business has established what it calls its "groom room", where cats can be washed and coiffured.

The cattery first opened at the family farm in 2009 and was set up by Pauline O'Connor, who runs the business with her partner, Dennis Burton, and daughter Hannah.

Mrs O'Connor, who carries out the grooming, has several years' experience as a veterinary nurse and was training manager for charity Cats Protection before setting up the cattery.

The decision to set up a grooming service, called Red Robin Exclusive Cat Grooming Spa, had been prompted by requests from pet owners.

Hannah, 23, said: "We started the cattery with the aim of providing a luxury retreat where people could leave their cats while they went on holiday.

"Like with any good hotel these days, there is always a spa.

"So we thought, why not have a spa here for the cats?

"Certain breeds of cats need to be groomed because their fur can get matted.

"Pedigree cats in particular need regular grooming.

"Traditionally, owners would need to take their cat to a vet to have it done.

"But this normally involves the cat being knocked out and shaved, which can be expensive and also cause some anxiety for the owner, not to mention the cat itself.

"But at our spa the cats are awake the whole time to enjoy the experience."

The grooming spa offers a range of services, including a wash and blow dry, claw clipping and a haircut.

Hannah said: "Mum has a way with cats.

"We nickname her the pied piper because whenever she is around, the cats just flock to her.

"It's quite possible she was a cat in a previous life!

"She has many years of experience working with cats and from this she instinctively knows how they are feeling.

"She can tell just from their body language when they are feeling uncomfortable or distressed.

"So when it comes to grooming them, she knows whether the animal is happy or not."

Mrs O'Connor, who has successfully run her business despite being profoundly deaf, said: "It's something I love to do. Our first priority is always the welfare of the animal."

Red Robin Exclusive Cat Grooming Spa started taking bookings last week and, according to Hannah, the feedback had been positive.

She said: "People want their pets to look good, particularly those who have pedigree cats.

"People can be very passionate about their pets, which is why we believe this service will be popular."